Mardi Gras 2002 to benefit Lubbock Meals on Wheels

If there's one thing Meals on Wheels organizers have found out, it's that gaudier is better.

At least, that approach works for its annual Mardi Gras fund-raiser.

Mardi Gras 2002

What: a fund-raiser that benefits Lubbock Meals on Wheels featuring food booths, silent auction, live jazz and other events.

When: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 12.

Where: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center exhibit hall.

Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for children younger than 12, can be purchased by calling 792-7971, Select-A-Seat at 770-2000 or at the door.

Stuffed animals, party favors and thousands of strands of beads have been ordered for Mardi Gras 2002, which will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center exhibit hall.

The event raises money for Lubbock Meals on Wheels, a non-profit organization that brings hot meals to the homebound.

Meals on Wheels receives no government or United Way funding, according to Lorrie Lushnat Bellair, executive director. The Mardi Gras celebration is the largest fund-raising event of the year, she said.

Organizers hope to raise $30,000.

"We want to make Mardi Gras our signature event," Lushnat Bellair said. "It's all about food, which is what we do best, anyway."

Clowns and mimes will mingle with the crowd. Also, different types of food, including Cajun, will be available at 30 booths, she said.

However, this year, country music singer and songwriter Jon Michaels will perform original music, including a song called "Miss Fannie," which he wrote about delivering food for a Meals on Wheels client.

Lushnat Bellair found out about Michaels at the national Meals on Wheels conference in November and was touched.

"I sort of jumped on him right there and said, 'We have this Mardi Gras thing we're doing out here in West Texas," she said.

"This year, we've grown into the exhibition hall," said Lisa Gilliland, assistant director for Meals on Wheels. "It's big, but we'll have plenty of room. We had a problem with seating last year. We expected people to come and go, but they came and stayed.

"We're hoping for about 1,200 to 1,500 people to come this year, and we've got the room. So bring it on."